Abiplatin

Abiplatin is a platinum-based drug used in treating different kinds of cancers, such as germ cell tumors, some carcinomas (ovarian cancer and small cell lung cancer), lymphomas, and sarcomas. It is mainly used in chemotherapy treatment and widely distributed in the United States under the brand names Platinol and Platinol-AQ. The generic and more widely known name for Abiplatin is Cisplatin.

Abiplatin Dosage And Administration

Abiplatin is administered intravenously through a six- to eight-hour infusion. This is done by inserting a thin tube through the vein near the collarbone or at the back of the patient’s hand. Since the infusion lasts for a significant amount of time, it is only administered in the hospital under the supervision of medical staff. However, the dose and duration of treatment will vary depending on the type of cancer and the response to the chemotherapy.

Abiplatin Side Effects

Patients will react to Abiplatin differently, depending on the stage of cancer and their own bodily idiosyncrasies. Although all patients will experience some side effects attributed to the drug, some are more serious than others. The most common of these side effects is nausea. This is a relatively normal response to the medication. The nausea is accompanied by sickness and vomiting and usually occurs one to four hours after the treatment begins and last up to twenty-four hours afterward. To reduce the nausea and sickness, the doctor will prescribe anti-sickness medication for relief. However, there have been cases where the nausea and sickness is severe enough to cause the discontinuation of the drug.

Damage to the nerves called peripheral neuropathy may also occur. This can affect sensation, gland and organ function, and some movement in the limbs. When this occurs, patients may feel numbness in their hands and feet, as well as a loss of motor function. This side effect usually disappears a few months after the conclusion of the treatment. Muscle cramps, described as involuntary skeletal muscle contraction, have also been stated to occur, as well as loss of hearing and taste.

In cases after greater dosage and more prolonged therapy, damage affecting the kidney and other internal organs may occur. There are cases that have been recorded when such neuropathies are irreversible. Side effects such as these must be reported to the doctor immediately to avoid permanent damage. Blood tests can be administered before regular chemotherapy to determine whether it is still safe to continue with the medication.

Myelosuppression may also occur because Abiplatin decreases the production capabilities of the bone marrow. This results in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The lack of white blood cells lowers the body’s immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infection and other diseases. Similarly, the lack of red blood cells may also cause anemia, which may make the patient weak and lethargic.

Reminders In Using Abiplatin

There are certain things to consider before opting to use Abiplatin for chemotherapy. Before undergoing any treatment, patients must first inform their doctor of any other medicines, both prescribed and non-prescribed, being currently taken. This is to avoid complications that may arise if the different medicines interact.

Another cause for concern is the patient’s fertility since the drug affects the fertility of both men and women. In these cases, the patients should discuss the options available with their doctor. The benefits, as well as risks, involved in taking Ablipatin should be weighed carefully.

In relation, the medication can have a harmful effect on infants. This is why it is advised that the patient not get pregnant or father a child throughout the duration of the treatment. Protection and effective birth control may be used to avoid conception, but these options are also best discussed with a doctor.

It is important that the patient’s response to the medication be recorded and assessed properly. Because of this, the patient must strictly adhere to the schedules of chemotherapy, laboratory tests, and medical exams conducted throughout the treatment. This will allow the doctor to evaluate the progress, or lack thereof, of the patient. In case any problems or side effects arise, the doctor must be duly notified so that the necessary adjustments to the medication can be made.

Abiplatin Pharmaceutical Facts

Abiplatin has the molecular formula of Cl2H4N2Pt. It has the molecular weight of 298.029 g/mol and is available in 50ml injection, 100ml injection, and 200ml injection. The drug is sold under brand names Randa, Platinoxan, Platinol, Platinex, Platidiam, Platiblastin, Platamine, Plastin, Neoplatin, Lederplatin, Citoplationo, Cisplatyl, Cisplatine, Cismaplat, Carboquone, Briplatin, and Biocisplatinum.